What was a major factor contributing to the shift from indentured servants to enslaved Africans as the primary labor source in the colonies?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the reasons behind the historical shift in labor sources in the colonies, specifically focusing on the transition from using indentured servants to enslaved Africans. It is looking for a major contributing factor to this change.
Answer
The demand for newly freed servants for land and the profitability of African slave labor were major factors for the shift.
A major factor contributing to the shift from indentured servants to enslaved Africans as the primary labor source in the colonies was the demand for land by newly freed indentured servants and the realization by landowners that African slaves were a more profitable and renewable source of labor. This shift was fueled by the colonial elite feeling threatened by the demands of freed servants and the economic advantages of African slavery.
Answer for screen readers
A major factor contributing to the shift from indentured servants to enslaved Africans as the primary labor source in the colonies was the demand for land by newly freed indentured servants and the realization by landowners that African slaves were a more profitable and renewable source of labor. This shift was fueled by the colonial elite feeling threatened by the demands of freed servants and the economic advantages of African slavery.
More Information
Enslaved Africans were considered more economical as they were seen as perpetually renewable resources, able to work for their entire lives without the need for land or freedom.
Sources
- Indentured Servants in the US - pbs.org
- New World Labor Systems: African Slavery - ldhi.library.cofc.edu
- Chapter 1: Race, Slavery, and Freedom - nps.gov
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